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New Judges Information

Welcome!

You can go to the USAG and NAWGJ national websites for information on how to become a judge.

USAG
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/Story.aspx?tabid=250&prog=w

NAWGJ national website.
www.nawgj.org

To Our New Judges - from Nola Ayres

Hello, as your State Judging Director (SJD) I want to extend a warm welcome to each of you that are considering becoming a Washington State Gymnastic Judge. Our gymnastic community is here to aid and support you. Do not hesitate to contact any of the following board members: Nola Ayres, SJD; Jan Urfer, Barb MacAfee, Lee Bjella, Denise Green, Laurie Reid, and Karen Wisen. As a board we recommend that you have a mentor; we will assist you with that selection. Mentors are very valuable; they facilitate in your testing preparation, answer questions involving judging issues, and support you throughout your "growing years" as an official.

As any organization, we have numerous terms that can be confusing to new judges. The following definitions will help clarify our professional language and assist in your understanding of the web address chart below.

Term definitions:
USAG - USA Gymnastics (our national organization located in Indianapolis)
NAWGJ - National Association Women's Gymnastics Judges
Region - Washington is in Region 2 (Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington make up R2)
RJD - Regional Judging Director

Memberships: There are two organizations that you must become a member of before you can be assigned meets. It is also your responsibility to renew your membership to each annually.
USAG: USAG membership dues are $77.00 per year if you join on-line.
NAWGJ: our national judging organization, your membership to NAWGJ will be paid by the state only if you volunteer at our annual fundraising Judges Cup, dues are $55.00.

Annually judges must maintain what is termed Continuing Professional Education (CPE). We are a professional organization that requires continual education to ensure the highest possible standards; therefore, each judge is required to maintain what is known as CPE.

Professionalism:

As officials, we need to pay attention to the following:

A. Preparation. Review your rules and event assignments before each meet. Carefully pack your bag or briefcase to include all the sheets, books, and supplies you need.

B. Appearance. The NAWGJ uniform consists of a navy jacket, navy skirt or pants and white blouse.

C. Behavior at Meets. Do not speak excessively to coaches during the competition. Keep conferences brief, and speak well of all gymnasts, coaches and other judges. Stay at your event until the session is completed. Eat or drink discreetly.

D. Responsibilities. You are responsible for your own judging career - you must keep your required memberships and ratings current and take care of any required financial reporting. (Taxes etc.) Be a responsible judge: Return contracts promptly, carpool when you can, be prepared for your assignments, and be on time!

Please do not hesitate to contact me. I am confident you will find judging a very rewarding and wonderful hobby.
Best wishes! Nola

Important Web and E-mail Addresses:

Washington USAG Web Site: www.usagwa.com
Carole Ide: Pres. NAWGJ: NAWGJPRES@me.com
Betty Sroufe: NAWGJ Sec/Tres: BAS4881@aol.com
Ann Heppner RJD Region II: techimpaired@ados.com
Meg Doxtator: Region II Comm. Chair:
Regional Web Site: www.usaregion2.org
Linda Mulvihill: Region II Tech Chair: gymit@aol.com
Joe Rapp: Region II Elite Dev. Chair:
Patti Gable: usagwashington@aol.com
Connie Maloney: USAG Age Group cmaloney@usa-gymnastics.org
NAWGJ National Web Site: http://www.nawgj.org
Nola Ayres: WA State Judging Director: nbanola@aol.com